Big trouble in little india

[spectreray]

Very nicely written.... See u when I see u.... U the bro

[Tai_zi21]

Originally Posted by hawkeye007

Hey bro, can u enlighten me on who is Edward Fernando Chan? I suppose it’s probably one of the characters in his past stories but I honestly have forgotten...

Thanks in advance!

From the story “the beast within”.......

[hiall1]

This like a marvel cinematic universe. Except it is ilock's universe. Superbly written!

[Moreno18]

Originally Posted by hiall1

This like a marvel cinematic universe. Except it is ilock's universe. Superbly written!

Just like watching a movie!

[sinless]

My idol writer! Best story teller in SBF! My goodness it’s freaking Edward Fernando Chan! Continuation of the previous story???

I am beginning to hate Fridays cos I have to wait till the weekdays for the story to be continued...

[unlove]

Originally Posted by hawkeye007

Hey bro, can u enlighten me on who is Edward Fernando Chan? I suppose it’s probably one of the characters in his past stories but I honestly have forgotten...

Thanks in advance!

Hey bro!

It’s from one of ‘The beast within’! One of ilock’s piece from last year!

[ilikeoldchangke]

Jeff : That sounds like a name I won’t forget anytime soon… haha ….

Ed : beast of a name isn’t it ?........well then…. Benson… what do your friends call you ??

I smiled and added as we got to the front door.



Jeff : My friends…… get to meet the real me….the rest….can talk to my employee…

I finished my statement with a wide smile, and it took Ed a second longer to catch on.

Ed : hahahahah….. hahaha…. Alright ….. hahaha….. good… good…. Hahaha…



Right before he gets into his car, he spoke directly to Yiling.

Ed : Yvonne…. It was lovely meeting you… thank you for setting this up….

YIling smiled and gave a slight bow but said nothing.


The man that claimed to be Freddy opened the trunk and handed Yiling a brown envelope.

She took it without a word. The reward for setting this up and making the introduction that would have gone to Yvonne.


Ed : Benson..

I gave him a parting nod.



Jeff : Chan….

He got into his car with his cigar and Yiling came over to my side.

My hands went around her waist, taking the last bit of liberty with her body before this is over.

We watched the convoy go around the water feature before disappearing down the driveway.

When the last vehicle lest the estate, Yiling turned towards me and gave me a playful smack with the envelope.

Yiling : what the hell man !!

Jeff : what ? haha.. it’s done… just need to know who’s in charge right….



Yiling gave me an irritated look as she tried to pull herself away from me.

Jeff ; I could tell that Freddy is fake from a mile away….

Yiling : what makes you so sure ?? !! he’s got that boss look written all over him…

Jeff :.. he’s too loud….. base on my experience… people in the trade keeps a low profile… we are not shooting a HK triad movie…..besides… He’s literally looking at your breast when he’s talking to you…. Come on…



Yiling gave me a sideway glare as she walked back into the house.

I smiled as I watch her approaching on of the guards and asked for his phone.

She made the phone call, probably calling it in to report that it’s over.

I went to the dining table and topped up my glass of wine.


Yiling came over a moment later and told me that she noticed a young guy taking photos of the house.

Yiling : With his mobile phone…..snapping away….he took a photo of me as well….

Jeff : That’s because you’re hot…. And that dress looks good on you….

Yiling ignored my comment, replying only after she topped up her wine.


Yiling : Thank you for the compliment…. If we are alone I might just sleep with you again….

Jeff : we could go into the room and….

Yiling : In your dreams Jeff…. Ahahah


I laughed and we waited for the clean up crew to arrive so they can reinstate the place to it’s original order.

Yiling’s phone rang several times , so did the crew that was assigned to us.

At one point, even the Auntie that was in the kitchen was on the phone.

I quietly observed everything and waited.



Sooner or later, Billy would be here to update me about the situation.

What I did not expect though was for the wait for be almost 4 hours.

By the time it came to 1am in the morning, I was kind of looking forward to spend the night as husband and wife with Yiling again.


7th June 2013
1am

By then I was pretty sure there’s been some changes to the game plan. Billy arrived and he spoke with Yiling immediately.

I could see she was unhappy with something but I could not make out what was being said.


After that short conversation with Billy, both of them came over to me.

Billy : Hi Jeff…. Thank you for the help in this matter…. We will take over from here….

Jeff : What ? ….

Yiling looked at me but said nothing.

Billy handed me a thumb drive.



Billy : Inside here is all the information you need for your superiors…I’m sure it will net you a good promotion….. before we part ways, I need to let you know that we will be in touch with your superiors with regards to your involvement in this operation…. I hope that you will not say a word of what happened here to anyone….

Billy delivered that speech what I had no doubt was rehearsed beforehand.

There was no clean up crew with him.

The security staff and the aunties did not show signs of getting ready to leave. It quickly dawned on me what Owen wanted to do.

He wanted the ruse to continue.


Everything would be where it is as they find out more about that mysterious client and what he wanted to bring in.

Billy : you will be returned to your post overseas Jeff… and ermm….

Billy said he will be giving me a lift out of the estate after I said my goodbyes.


I wasn’t expecting it to end like this but the time for questions will come later.

Right now, Yiling was standing in front of me, a project folder in 1 hand and 2 phones in the other.

It was an awkward moment as we stood in the middle of the living room.

Yiling : well… ermm… I guess … this is it….

I find it hard to look at her in the eyes at that moment.

Jeff : ermm.. i…erm… I guess so….

Yiling : I doubt we will be seeing each other again yeah…. Hahha…

Jeff : haha… i.. I don’t know….



I opened my arms and Yiling came into my embrace without a need for further invitation.

It was a snug and reassuring 5 second hug before our bodies parted. This is weird on so many level.

We knew other for only a short period of time yet the level of intimacy we share is much more. Perhaps what they say is true, in times of crisis, it’s easier to make true friends. I don’t know if I consider us friends though, especially we will probably not meet again.

I will definitely miss that body of hers.

Owen must have his reasons for pulling me out.


Perhaps he felt I outstayed my usefulness, and it’s time for Yiling to run the show. You can’t expect to have someone holding your hand all the time. This would be a good experience for her. Everything is all set up and connected. Just don’t fuck it up.

All Owen needed to do was to pull the strings from behind the scene and Yiling can continue playing the role of the mistress of the house. Money, power and experience will come flowing in. I bet it’s a matter of time before she rises up the ranking within the company.

There is no point being wishy washy with the parting. We are all adults, not some adolescent engaging in puppy love.


I went up to the room to pick up the clothes that I came in, not forgetting the album of photos Ben gave me as a souvenir.

I grabbed a bag and stuffed everything in. Just when I was about to leave, I saw the pair of heels that Yiling wore on the 1st day. I went closer with a mix of curiosity and perverted thoughts.

I removed the heel and checked out the sharp dagger hidden beneath. I slid the dagger back in and checked out the workmanship of that heel. This is some good shit.


The connection of the joints is seamless. The weight of the dagger feels perfectly balanced in my hand. It’s a nice piece of work, by a professional craftsman. I could only think of 1 person in the country capable of producing work like this and discreet enough to keep his mouth shut.

Afterall, he’s the one that crafted my own knives.

I orientated the pair of heels trying to see what other secret it holds when Yiling appeared by the front of the door. I froze for a second as I realised that perhaps I had been holding that pair of heels a little too close to my face as I examined it.


Jeff : fuck… no…. I can explain.. please….it’s not what you think…

Yiling had a funny smile on her face with her left eyebrow raised.

Yiling : I know most guys have a fetish with heels but you sure take it to another level….

Jeff : No… no… I can explain….

Yiling smiled and said it’s fine.


Yiling : No need to explain Jeff… it’s ok… we slept together…. We had sex… it’s normal…perfectly normal….

Jeff : No…. listen… I was…

[ilikeoldchangke]

She put up her palm as she walked slowly towards me, nodding her head with her eyes partially shut, she kept mouthing ‘it’s ok’ to me silently as she tried to stifle a smile.

Picking up her pair of heels, she presented it to me.

Yiling : for you… it’s ok… you can keep it… I wore it less than 5 times…

Jeff : no…. no… please… i…


Yiling just nod and smile, repeating her silent “ it’s ok “ . This time adding a ‘I understand’ behind it.

I sighed as she turned it over before handing it to me.

Yiling : There’s something at the back….see…

She pulled out the dagger which I already knew before putting it back in.


My mouth was open, I wanted to speak but nothing came out.



Yiling grabbed my bag and put her pair of heels in before helping me zip it up.

She gave me a sisterly tap on my arm before walking me out of the room with her arms around my shoulder.

Yiling : I’m glad you took that and not the pearl undies Jeff….hahaha…..personally I can accept the heel fetish part…..

Jeff : Oh god….. how can I explain myself out of this…..


Yiling laughed and when I got to the corridor, Billy was there waiting.


She saw Billy and she regained her composure. Clearing her throat, she stretched out her hand and I shook it firmly.

Jeff : It’s been a pleasure …. Yiling ….


She laughed.

Yiling : the feeling of pleasure is mutual… haha…

We gave each other a curt nod before I followed Billy down the stairs and straight to his vehicle.

I gave Yiling a wave as she stopped by the bottom of the stairs, choosing not to walk me to the door.



The moment we got into Billy’s van, the first thing he said was ;

Billy : you fucked her right….. tell me you fucked her…..

Jeff :…. A gentlemen don’t kiss and tell….


Billy : ok… you definitely fucked her….

Billy laughed and started the engine.

En route back to office, I asked Billy what Owen has planned for Yiling .

Billy : your guess is as good as mine…. All I know was that she is to continue playing the role of Yvonne….indefinitely….

Jeff : Seems like Owen is keen to fill the void of Benson….


Billy : He is… Benson’s position is a treasure mine of information…..and you know Owen…. Nothing is more valuable than information…

Jeff : True…

I stretched out in the car seat as Billy told me both Yvonne and her son has been relocated to a temporary shelter courtesy of the government.

Billy : as long as Yiling is playing her sister… they will be kept safe and out of sight…

Jeff : What about Benson’s men….


Billy : I doubt they will see the light of day anytime soon….. they saw your face… know what you can do…. All of them former inmates…. A couple with outstanding arrest warrants…. My guess is Owen will make sure they never talk….

I let out a loud yawn as I took in them empty roads at 2am in the morning.


I’m looking forward to a good sleep.

Billy told me Owen is waiting for the debrief report before he board his flight back from Japan.



Jeff : what’s he doing there ? …

Billy : He’s not saying…. But I know wants to meet you tomorrow.

Jeff : …. What about my break ?

Billy : no rest for the wicked…


Billy dropped me off in office before driving off.

I went back up to office and finished up some admin work that Owen wanted after each project. It’s a hassle but it gets him off my back and I need that to get my bonus payment.

No one wants to drag when money is involved.



By the time I left office at 5am, I saw the stall owners of the café starting their day.

Lala saw me walking out from the lift and he waved eagerly to me.


Lala : Jeff…. Jeff !!... come…. Kopi O kosong !!! Kopi O kosong.!!

I was exhausted but the thought of a piping hot cup of coffee sounds inviting.


I gave him a thumbs up and went over to the stall.

Steam rise from the respective stalls as the 1st round of water boiled.

I waved to Lala’s father and placed an order for kaya toast and eggs on top of the coffee Lala is preparing.

It felt like a long time since I last sat down at the café even though it has been barely a week. The quiet and empty café, the stall owners hard at work. The sun will rise in a while and the hustle and bustle of the office tower will start off all over again.
I could hear Lala scraping the crispy crust of the toasted bread with the cover of a milk tin.

Looking back, he lather up a generous spread of Kaya and butter. I could almost taste the sweet salty combination in my mouth. He gave me a wave and I went over to pick it up.

I cracked the perfectly cooked half boiled eggs and let it drop with a jiggle onto the saucer. It’s really the simple things in life that gives us satisfaction.

I was about to stand up and go grab the soy sauce & pepper when it was set down in front of me.

I looked up and I was shocked to see Xuehua in front of me.


She looked so fresh and radiant at 5am in the morning. It really came as a surprise out of the blue. More so because I did not see her coming over. I’m usually very aware of situations and people around me.

I had to blink a couple of times before my brain manage to process what my eyes are seeing.

Xuehua : Morning….

Jeff : oh….ermmm….. good morning….



She’s an early riser. Xuehua was dressed in a blue singlet from an annual marathon that I participate occasionally. Beneath that loose blue singlet hid a figure-hugging black sports bra.

I could not make out what she was wearing beneath but the thought of seeing her toned legs, perhaps a pair of sexy running shorts sent blood rushing to my groin.

Xuehua : what are you doing here so early in the morning…. ?

Jeff : well… I ermm… I just left work…

Xuehua : wow…..what do you do for a living ?

As if appearing out of the blue without me realising is not shocking enough, Xuehua spoke as she raised up both her hands to tie her hair.

She stood up to signal to Lala for a drink and as she did so, I saw that pair of soul snatching legs disappear into the pair of grey running shorts.


My erection got harder as my eyes settled on her hairless armpits as she looked down, lifting the back of her hair upwards for her hands to reach it.
You see, if you are looking down from that height, you would be looking down at the table or the floor, but Xuehua kept her eyes on me while waiting for my answer. So picture this, with her head pointing down, her eyes looking up at you while she ties her hair, god, it brings back images of the time when I have girls looking at me with their eyes pointing upwards.


They would usually be on their knees, head down, eyes up.

With her shapely figure, her exposed armpits, I get a shiver in my cock as 5ml of precum just deposited itself on my stretched underwear.

Xuehua : it’s ok if you don’t want to share… hahah.. I’m not forcing you… haha..

She sat back down and gave her tight pony tail a light shake, amused with the frozen state I was in.

Jeff : oh… no.. no.. no… I mean.. yeah… I ermm.. I’m a consultant….yeah…. a consultant…

Xuehua : hmmm… ok…. What do you consult on ? …

Jeff : ermm…. Waste disposal….and ermm….. waste management…

Xuehua : hmmm… right…. Sounds… boring.. haha..

I laughed as she thanked Lala for her bottle of water.

Jeff : you going for a run ? … at this time in the morning ? ….

Xuehua : yeah…. Why not…

Jeff : this is… little india… aren’t you…err…

Xuehua : hahah… come on… this is Singapore….chill man… haha

Jeff : well… you…. A girl has to take care of herself …. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way and all… you know…



Xuehua gave me a raised eyebrow as she grabbed her bottle and got up.

Xuehua : er… ok…. I’m been running everyday for many years…. I stay a couple of streets away..…. I’m still here… haha… alright…. See you around Jeff….

Jeff : what about you…. What do you do for a living ?

Xuehua burst into laughter.

[ilikeoldchangke]

She shook droplets of condensed water from the bottle at me before adding with an amused smile.

Xuehua : I sell chicken rice Jeff….. in case you haven noticed..…. Hahaha…

Jeff : hahaha

Xuehua : eggs are getting cold….



She gestured to my breakfast before waving goodbye.

Jeff : bye….. see you…

As I turned and waved to Xuehua heading out of the café, I could see the expression I had on my face. Yes, it’s that same sick lovelorn look Billy describe at sick.

I can’t help it.



Seeing an angel early in the morning, that has to be a good sign isn’t it ? I would have wanted to wait and catch Xuehua again, to see her body peppered with droplets of sweat but I was too tired.

I finished my breakfast and went back home. A cold shower followed and I collapsed into my bed, part of me wishing I was back at Benson’s place with Yiling by my side.



I woke up at 1pm and saw a message from Owen for me to call him.

It turns out that he just touched down in Singapore not too long ago.

Owen : You up ?

Jeff : I’m talking to you ain’t it ?

Owen : I need to make a visit to the Japanese association….

Jeff : why…going for a tea ceremony ? …



Owen ; I wish…. It’s work…. I can only bring 1 employee with me…

I felt a rush of adrenaline hitting me. Owen has his own group of men that he works with on official assignment that requires a bit more careful planning. When the occasion calls for it, he has his own bodyguards.

The last time he asked me to accompany him on a 1 on 1 basis, we met with a North Korean official on a yacht anchored off Lazarus island south of Singapore. The party really started when the Iranians arrived on a separate Yacht.



The tensed meeting lasted for 2 hours before hands were shook and everyone left with a smile.

Owen never told me what was discussed but he was visibly relieved after it was over.

The wait for me though outside the room in which the discussion was held, is anything but pleasant.

It’s embarrassing.


When the powers to be are in the room deep in discussion, there are all but 3 men standing outside. All employees of the men inside the room.
A north Korean, A Iranian and yours truly, me.

The captains of the vessels gathered for drinks and smokes in the North Korean’s Yacht.
There is nothing hostile, no stare downs or anyone trying to show who has the biggest cock. We’re all just doing our job.

You see, the 3 of us speak different languages, if they knew English, they did not let it show.



We communicated with basic nods, eye contact and body language.

Both of them were looking at me from top to bottom, probably thinking you cannot fucking get more Singaporean than this in terms of dressing.

Fucking Owen told me we’re heading out to sea. On a yacht. How would you dress up ?

I came in shorts, flip flops and t-shirt only to be handed a Browning Semi automatic handgun by Owen. In case anything go wrong he says.

Where the fuck does he expect me to keep that when I’m in shorts and slippers.
A pistol is heavy. A fully loaded pistol with a full magazine, is heavier.



It’s fucking heavy and I can only tuck it in my pocket. I might as well hang it around my neck. Even a blind man could see the entire outline of what I was carrying.

Owen assured me it’s fine, that the other guys would be carrying as well.

I wanted to jump into the water when I saw our North Korean counterpart.

Dressed in smart attire of pants and polo T, he had a fucking rifle sling around his neck when he came onboard with a modified version of the AK 47.

The Iranian came onboard with a FAJR 224, their equivalent of the American’s M4 carbine.



He too had pants and a long sleeve shirt on with a smart rifle sling to boot. He made no attempt to hide the sidearm he was carrying behind too. A glock pistol fitted snugly in a leather holster.

I have never felt so embarrassed before in my life. The look they gave is not condescending, nor do they look down on me or anything, it’s one of bewilderment.

Puzzled and bewilderment.

The same puzzled look first time visitors to the island gives when they see us walking everywhere in flipflops and shorts.

We exchanged smiles, they kept 1 hand on their weapon, I kept 1 hand on the top of my pants because it’s fucking drooping to 1 side. Beach berms brother, beach berms, loose and relax one, now it’s hanging off my right as if my testicles is a lot heavier on that end.



30 minutes into the awkward quiet wait, the Iranian pointed to the weapon in my pants and gestured what is it .
I twisted my body a little , offering up the end of the pistol grip that is poking out.

Jeff : browning…

He gave a ‘ahhhh’, nodding his head and added a thumbs up sign.

Iranian : nice… I like too….


The North Korean gestured to my dropping pants before pointing to his shiny belt buckle with his country’s flag on it. He must be wondering why I’m not wearing a belt if my pants are dropping.

I manage an awkward smile and shook my head, waving my hand and added that I didn’t have one with me.


The North Korean offered everyone smokes and when seeing I needed to hold onto my pants, offered to light it for me.


As we puffed away with the gentle sea breeze on our faces, the man opposite me probably think we’re seriously underfunded.

Right before we parted after the meeting, the North Korean chap waved to me and he passed me a leather holster with a badge of their supreme leader for my pistol. The Iranian whistled as their yacht pulled up along side before he gave me his own belt.

Owen watched the exchange in amusement.

Owen : Wow a friendship gift !!... you’ve been busy while I’m in the meeting… you will make a good diplomat.

I was considering whether to use the pistol or belt against Owen.



Owen : What did you give them in exchange ??

Jeff : Nothing…. Fucking nothing,… you asked me to come to a yacht…. I bought half a dozen of old chang kee curry puff…it’s still sitting there on the table…

He laughed.

I refused to speak with Owen for the trip back to the island.


I returned him the pistol as we pulled into the berth and told him next time, brief me properly so I can get ready.

Owen : What’s wrong with you ? … everything went pretty well what….

Jeff : They brought automatic weapons brother…. I have a pistol stuffed in my pocket with my pants about to drop…. Simi lan jiao ? (WTF) if they want us dead, we will be at the bottom of the sea by now…

Owen : haha.. we’re host…what you want me to bring…. Next time I give you GPMG….. mount in front of the boat… gum bo……chill la… I buy you a drink…

Jeff : aarghhh… go away go away… leave me alone..



Now that Owen is asking me to get ready for something like this again, I have to be prepared.

Jeff : inside the Japanese association ? … not embassy ?

Owen : no… it’s a bit sensitive… the topic of discussion…. We cannot meet in the embassy….

Jeff : Is this why you went to Japan ?

Owen : yes and no…

Jeff : ok… let me get this straight this time…. I don’t want to be a fucking embarrassment again…

Owen : wah lau… it’s been so many years…. Fuck..


Jeff : simple….my question is simple…. Do I carry or not…. ?

Owen hesitated for a few seconds before replying me.

The diplomat in him must be thinking of how to be tactful in this instance.

He has to. You wouldn’t want anyone walking into your place with a weapon , then again, it is our own duty to take care of ourselves.

It’s his job to be diplomatic.

My job is to make sure we don’t fucking die.

I don’t want to die, not yet. I still have bucket lists to fulfil.


Owen : well…. Maybe something discreet…..

Jeff : Oh no… no… no…. be more specific…

Owen :alright fuck you know what… no guns…. Clear ? we’re not in the middle of the fucking ocean…. You pull a trigger the entire neighbourhood will hear you….

Jeff : ok…. No guns… fine…


Owen : discreet brother… discreet… discreet and impactful……..keep me alive…. I still want to withdraw my CPF for retirement… meeting is at 7pm this evening… do me a favour, bring Billy to the Pawnshop… he needs to open an account….


Jeff : what… why me ? …

Owen : He has your bonus from your latest project by the way….

Jeff : I’ll contact him right away…


I gave Billy a call after Owen hung up to meet him in Chinatown at 2pm.

[ilikeoldchangke]

The pawnshop might look like any other you see along the street. In fact, there is nothing out of the ordinary when you look at it. It’s been in business since 1960.

Staffed with men and women who looked like they can hardly see, people from all walks of life drop in and conduct their business. Old men with white hair squint their eyes trying to put a value to the small trinkets of gold brought in by those that needed some cash.



Old bargain hunters peering hard at the cases of gold and watches for sale, the glass covering the items already yellow with age.
The sound of abacus clicking fill the air, punctuated with that of a creaking ceiling fan. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder if they do it purely for the audio effect.

It’s like stepping back in time.

Billy : are you sure this is the place…. This looks like a movie set…

Jeff : shut up…. Watch what you say around here… these people mean business…



I orientated Billy to the setup of the pawn shop.

Like many shops nowadays, you will see small makeshift stalls outside the five foot way. Usually those selling mobile phones and cameras. This particular pawn shop is no different.

The 2 mobile shop outside is staffed by men that looked like they mainline the steroids into their body.

The 4 stocky and built men are hard to miss.



Jeff : listen carefully….. the manner in which you enter the shop matters…. Never from the side of the 5-foot way…. Always from the front…. Through the 2 mobile phone stall…. You go from anywhere else, they will no entertain you…. You want to make a deposit and withdrawal in the future….. walk through the front…. Understand ??

Billy : orh… ok…

Set in a shophouse with an internal courtyard, the pawnshop not only operates it’s main business, it offers storage facility for people in all sorts of trades.

They have never lost anything before and the people in business have a strict rule about keeping their mouths shut.

You can keep anything, literally anything that can fit into the size of storage you choose to maintain. Owen introduced me to the pawnshops scattered throughout the country and I maintained accounts with each of them.

I went to the mobile phone counter and spoke with the man playing on his phone. Beside him hangs a large board with a list of new mobile lines that you can sign up for. You can choose the numbers you want from the list.

I picked one and handed him the number.


Jeff : My friend needs a new line…

The guy looked up at me before turning to Billy. He stared at him for a good 5 seconds and Billy was hitting my wrist with his as if asking me what the fuck he is supposed to do.

The man nodded and asked Billy to hold on for a minute.

He spoke with his friend manning the stall with him before both of them gestured to Billy to follow them.


Billy : what…. I follow them ?

Jeff : yes…give me my stuff first….

Billy : Are you sure… ?

Jeff : yes la….

Billy handed me an envelope before following the 2 men reluctantly down the five foot way to a gold shop a few doors down.


I entered the pawn shop and walked casually past the main counter.

The narrow corridor by the ends with a metal blast door. The walls to my left is filled with posters from the fifties and an old man sits with his assistant to my right behind a row of vertical bars.

They gave me a casual look and I heard the door’s bolt open and I stepped in.

With a carefully curated list of clientele, the staff knows every client by face.
No serial number, no complex locks, nothing high tech.



If you have an account, you can be sure the staff knows who you are.
The courtyard I stepped into is magical. Almost dream like.

The boss will be there, an old man in his mid sixties playing with his bird.
A real one in a cage in case you get the wrong idea.

He never gives a fuck, he never makes eye contact.
He’s the boss.

He plays with his fucking bird. Period.


Someone will be pouring him tea.
Always someone pouring tea like a deja vu happening over and over. In the middle of the courtyard are several tables. Set like a teahouse in period drama, men of all ages will be eating, chatting, some are playing chest.

It’s like a clubhouse, only that membership is exclusive. You can only join if someone brings you in.



A couple of old ladies will be pounding chilli and spices.

Men huddled at a corner talking and sipping their tea. Cautious looks are exchanged as I walk pass the main activity node and towards the storage wing.

Past the courtyard, you get to the storage area which essentially looks like that interior of a Chinese medical hall. You know the old school shop your parents go to grab herbs and the boss opens rows of wooden drawers with Chinese words on it. Yeap.


The attendant will bring you your box, leave you alone as you make a deposit or withdrawal.
Total privacy.

No one cares what you do. Not the ladies pounding chilli, not the man pouring tea, not the attendant, not the boss playing with his bird.

No one.


There are drawers of different sizes , but for me, I have graduated from a drawer, to a large cabinet the size of a full height wardrobe. I’m talking 1.5m wide and 2.4m tall. It’s huge. Inside contains some of the spoils of war I have collected over the years neatly arranged on shelves.

It’s the 2nd largest storage in the whole shop. Only 5 are available.
Money, weapons, identification, passport, you name it. I have it all.

The largest storage in the pawnshop though, is not a cabinet bigger than mine.
Owen told me the biggest storage is the room behind where the boss sits.

No one other than the staff knows who owns it. In fact, hardly anyone knew there is a room behind the boss. If not for the fact that Owen’s predecessor let loose a slip of his tongue, he would not have known either.


I pulled out YIling’s pair of heels and looked at it again, smiling to myself as I set it on one of the shelf. I could not resist taking a quick whiff, the scent immediately bringing me back to the joys of that evening. I put the album Ben gave me beside it.

These will make good memorabilia when I grow old.

The bottom shelf is where I keep my tools of the trade.
My knives.



I have 2 of them specially made. 11 inch each with a 7 inch blade, finished with black epoxy power coat, partially serrated blade and a 20 degree blade angle, it’s my tool of choice when things get rough.

I took one of them out and put it into my bag.
Discreet and impactful.

This is pretty discreet in my opinion. I can hide the knife.

I thought about the impactful part and that was the point I had a bit of hesitation.
I have 2 browning pistols that I reported as missing but they are now sitting in my shelf. Cleaned, oiled with 6 rounds each, these are shit I keep for end of the world scenario. You know, maybe a zombie outbreak or something.

Owen said no guns.



I looked away from that zone and picked something else and dropped it into my bag before shutting the cabinet.

I walked out and the attendant asked if I was done.

Jeff : I’m done.

Billy appeared from round the corner, looking nervous as hell as he clutched tightly onto his bag.

The attendant brought out a brand new drawer for Billy and accompanied him into the room.



I went towards the exit, the same blast door I entered and before I leave, I send my regards to the boss.

Jeff : TowKay ( boss in Teochew ) …. Seng gia liao… ( I make a move first )

He would respond in the same way always. A raised hand to acknowledge me, but no eye contact.

His bird is more important than me.



I went out of the pawn shop and waited for Billy.

30 minutes later he was out after being schooled by the attendant of what needs to be done.

Jeff : All ok ?

Billy : yeah… yeah…. Very expensive….

[ilikeoldchangke]

I laughed.

Jeff : good things always are…


As we made our way to our vehicles parked a distance away, it appears Billy is unaware of my assignment with Owen.



He mentioned that Owen told him to have a good rest before our new project starts in 2 weeks time.

Billy :….. Owen will be sending us the project information in a few days time….. I’m going to enjoy my break… maybe take a weekend trip somewhere.. you leh ?

Jeff : I’ll be in office….

Billy : hahaha… eat chicken rice ah….

Jeff : fuck you la… haha


We parted ways and i went home to get ready.



No more shorts and slippers. I put on a smart Polo shirt and pants. A custom made glass lined sheath held the knife I was carrying at the back of my waist, secured to my belt horizontally.
It’s within each reach of my right hand should there be a need to use it.

I pull on a tailored jacket that would conceal the additional budge.

Opening my bag, I retrieve the green canister I kept from another project.

I opened it and pulled out the HE grenade. Yeah, i haven thrown one of these since BMT.



The knife is for the discreet part, this one, is for impactful. Owen did say he wanted discreet and impactful right ?

I put it in my coat pocket and checked myself in the mirror.

I’m feeling a little nervous. I’ve never dealt with the Japanese before and don’t forget, they occupied our country for almost 4 years during the war.

I left my place and drove to pick Owen up at a fast food joint near the Japanese association.



Owen : let’s get this over and done with shall we……

He looked at his watch, eager to get moving. I reckon he wants to head somewhere else after that.

As we neared the turn to the association, Owen told me that he wants me in the room during the meeting.

Owen : Stay with me during the discussion later..


Jeff : ok…

I did not see the need to ask why.

If Owen didn’t feel threatened, he wouldn’t have asked.

This has to be something big.

Turning into carpark of the Japanese association, I immediately saw the large number of security personnel milling about. 4 of them stopped our car and I wind down the window.


Owen : I am here to see Nakamura San.

The man gave a polite nod, asking us to hold for a moment as his friends checked the under carriage of the car with a trolley mounted camera and mirror before waving us through.

Numerous cones were set up and there is only 1 way in.

Even the parking lot was pre assigned to us.

Jeff : this is a lot of men for a meeting…. Who is Nakamura ?

Owen : He do what I do…… in Japan…

Jeff : oh…

I shut of the engine and stepped out of the car.

I could see another 4 men waiting for us at the atrium.



We walked towards then entrance and Owen kept his voice low. Bringing me up to speed as my heartbeat got faster.

Owen : Nakamura requested for this meeting….. at this location….i wanted to meet somewhere else but he insisted.

Jeff : You agreed ?

Owen : I had no choice…. I owed him a favour for getting one of our guys out from Japan…

I turned and look at him.



Jeff : That’s why you flew over ?

Owen : You don’t need to concern yourself with the rest of the details…. There… that’s him… Nakamura….

Through the glass atrium and beyond the 4 men in suits I could see a smiling old man in his sixties give and take. His hair is mostly white with streaks of black.

Dressed in traditional garb he looked like a samurai warlord. Outside his kimono, he wore a Hakama, something reserved for formal occasions if I remember correctly.


There was a man standing beside him and we were looking at each other even before Owen and I stepped into the atrium. He’s a soldier that’s for sure.

He’s about the same build as me.

Owen : Nakamura San !!!... good evening….

The old man approached Owen warmly and shook Owen;s hand.


Nakamura : Mr Owen… thank you for making the trip down….. please…. Come…let us talk….

I fell in step behind Owen, the man with Nakamura gave me a courteous nod and I returned one with a slight smile.

Ok, this is not that bad.

Everything is cool.



A short corridor gave way to a double swing door. The moment it opened, the hair on the back of my neck stood on it’s end immediately.

It’s a large room set up for dinner but there are 6 men inside the room. Every one of them armed.

The door closed behind us and I could hear the bolt close from the outside.


My right hand went an inch closer to my right thigh as I looked at all 6 men in the room.


Owen stopped walking while Nakamura continued talking, not realising that both of us had paused.

Nakamura : Mr Owen ….. something wrong ?

Of course something is wrong.




There we are, standing in the middles of a room, with 6 men holding a samurai sword.

Owen : what is the meaning of this Nakamura San…. I thought this is just a casual discussion….

Nakamura : please….. don’t worry…we….. do not want…..trouble….

I parked myself right beside Owen and the back of my right hand is resting on my right buttcheek by then.

That movement is not lost among the prying eyes in the room.

The 3 men closest to us is already gripping the handle of their swords.


Owen : Nakamura San….. men holding weapons…usually mean trouble…. In our line of work…

Nakamura laughed.

He thought about it for a while before speaking in Japanese. His men replied with considerable concerns before he dismissed them with a wave of his hand.

A curt nod followed, and all 6 armed men left the room.


Nakamura : you have to understand….. I have many…. Enemies…

Owen : I can assure you…. We are not one of them….

Nakamura : Danzo…..if you please…


The man that I saw by Nakamura’s side reach into the back of his coat and I immediately did the same, the cold grip of my knife offering an instant wave of reassurance.

Danzo slowly removed a dagger from behind his back and placed it on the table set far away from the dining area.



Owen gave me a look and gestured towards the same table.

Owen : Jeff…. Please… you too…

[ilikeoldchangke]

This is not good.

I mumbled under my breath that if we die, it’s his fault.


I pulled out my knife and it joined Danzo’s dagger on the table.

Danzo and I looked at each other. Each of our dagger within easy reach. My heart is pumping oxygen rich blood all over my body. I could feel the rush of endorphins, my muscles tightened. My senses are on fire.


If this is going to happen, it’s going to happen soon.

Nakamura spoke again to Danzo, in a much gentler voice than I expected. Much like a parent trying to reason with a stubborn child.

I don’t speak Japanese but I could tell Nakamura was trying to tell Danzo to empty his pockets.



Danzo tried to reason with Nakamura but it was no use.

Nakamura came over, tapped him reassuringly on his shoulder, nodding towards the table.

Then the moment came for us to be blown away.


Danzo first pulled out 2 more smaller dagger from behind his coat. As if that was not enough, he lifted his trousers and pulled other another dagger strapped around his left ankle.

Owen and I looked on in sheer amazement.

His right ankle had a pistol.


Reaching for the buckle of his belt, he pulled out a concealed knuckleduster with pointed edge. Lifting up his shirt, he pulled out another pistol on his left waist.


My eyes were wide open by then, staring in amazement how the fuck is he carrying so much shit on him.

Reaching into his coat pocket, he pulled out the last dagger and put in on the table which by then was overflowing with his stuff. Danzo looked at me, as if daring me to beat that when it comes to getting prepared with a smug look on his face.


Nakamura : My apologies gentlemen…..my staff….. gets jumpy…. When we meet people in the same trade as us…. I’m sure you understand….

Owen : wow….This… this is a bit too much don’t you think so ?? ..

Nakamura gave a slight bow, looking visibly embarrassed.

Owen looked at the amount of things on the table, back to Nakamura before turning to face me. Owen wanted to speak.


He wanted to say something then he saw the look in my eyes.


He could read me like a book.

He could see it in my eyes even before I spoke.


Owen : oh god ….. Please tell me you don’t have the same amount of shit on you….. what else did you bring…?



His eyes bored into mine with a mix of worry and embarrassment.

All eyes were on me as I gave Owen a wide smile, showing too much teeth than I would have wanted.

Jeff : … just 1 more… hahah… just 1 more….



I pulled out the grenade from my pocket, put in on the table and looked at the 3 man with dumbfounded looks on their face.

When Danzo looked at me while his mouth partially opened, I gave him a wide smile while retaining a right amount of modesty.


Jeff : I win…

………………………………………………………………………………….

[pussluver]

Very good.... very good.....

[syt lover]

Up points for best sbf writer, Bro ilock. Just wondering why is the main character named Jeff instead of James?

[cumforme]

Originally Posted by syt lover

Up points for best sbf writer, Bro ilock. Just wondering why is the main character named Jeff instead of James?

In all he's novella, the main protagonist all start with J